Dye dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A system is disclosed including at least one scanner identifying an identification associated with a receptacle. At least one dispenser is configured to dispense a first desired amount. At least one dispensing area has a measuring instrument that measures a dispensed amount and an unused amount, and associates with the identification. At least one storage device stores a program, and at least one controller which, when executing the program, is configured to receive information and associate the information with the identification. Collected data associated with the identification is recorded. A second desired amount based on at least some of the collected data in at least one file in the database is recommended. The at least one dispenser is controlled by the at least one controller based on the first desired amount or the second desired amount. The at least one dispenser is configured to dispense the second desired amount.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application for patent is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/277,425, filed Feb. 15, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/956,490, filed Apr. 18, 2018, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,206,478, and entitled “DYE DISPENSING SYSTEM”, which is assignedto the assignee hereof and which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Hair coloring compositions are used for coloring human hair. Colorservice is a profitable area in the salon industry and can be asignificant part of the cost structure of operating a salon. Thecomponents that are used to create hair coloring compositions aregenerally distributed separately in containers such as tubes or bottlesand allow the stylist to create custom blends per client. Additionally,the components of the hair coloring composition are provided separatelyto prolong their useful life and avoid adverse chemical reactions thatmay occur if combined together.

There is a lot of waste in the salon industry with respect to colorservice. To create a custom hair coloring composition, the stylistutilizes small amounts of several different components such as colorant,coloring compound, dye or coloring chemicals from one or morecontainers. When a small amount of the component is used, the remainderof the component in the container may become waste because once thecomponent is exposed to oxygen, such as when the container is opened, itmay degrade in as little as a few days.

Not only is the remainder of the component in the container waste, butalso the container itself along with its packaging. Moreover, somestylists lack the knowledge and skills required to select and mix thecomponents to obtain the proper color formulation ratios for the customhair color composition. These mistakes, mixture inaccuracies such asmixing too much product, inconsistencies and “do-overs” contribute tomore waste.

SUMMARY

A system is disclosed herein including at least one scanner identifyingan identification associated with a receptacle. At least one dispenseris configured to dispense the first desired amount of the formulationinto the receptacle. At least one dispensing area has a measuringinstrument. The instrument measures a dispensed amount of theformulation in the receptacle and an unused amount of the formulation inthe receptacle, and associates the measured dispensed amount and theunused amount with the identification. At least one storage devicestores a program, and at least one controller which, when executing theprogram, is configured to receive information and associate theinformation with the identification. The information comprises at leastone of stylist information, client information of a client, attributesof hair of the client, a formulation, a type of application for theformulation, a location on a head of the client for the formulation, anda first desired amount of the formulation. Collected data associatedwith the identification is recorded. The collected data is comprised ofthe information, the dispensed amount of the formulation, and the unusedamount of the formulation, to a file in a database. A second desiredamount of the formulation based on at least some of the collected datain at least one file in the database is recommended. The at least onescanner, the at least one dispenser, the at least one instrument and theat least one storage device are in communication with the at least onecontroller. The at least one dispenser is controlled by the at least onecontroller based on the first desired amount of the formulation or thesecond desired amount of the formulation. The at least one dispenser isconfigured to dispense the second desired amount of the formulation.

A method is disclosed herein including a dye dispensing system receivinga receptacle having an identification in a dispensing area. A scanner ofthe dye dispensing system identifies the identification associated withthe receptacle. A controller of the dye dispensing system receivesinformation and associates the information with the identification. Theinformation comprises at least one of stylist information, clientinformation of a client, attributes of hair of the client, aformulation, a type of application for the formulation, a location on ahead of the client for the formulation, and a first desired amount ofthe formulation. A first dispenser of the dye dispensing systemdispenses the first desired amount of the formulation into thereceptacle. A measuring instrument in the dispensing area measures adispensed amount of the formulation in the receptacle and the measureddispensed amount is associated with the identification. After thereceptacle has been removed from the dispensing area, the receptacle isreceived in the dispensing area. The scanner reads the identificationassociated with the receptacle and the information associated with theidentification. The instrument measures an amount of unused formulationin the receptacle and the measured unused amount is associated with theidentification. The controller records collected data comprising theinformation, the measured dispensed amount, and the measured unusedamount, to a file in a database. The controller recommends a seconddesired amount of the formulation based on at least some of thecollected data from at least one file in the database. A seconddispenser dispenses the second desired amount of the formulation. Thesecond dispenser is controlled by the controller based on the seconddesired amount of the formulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dye dispensing apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified schematic diagram of a dye dispensingsystem environment incorporating the apparatus in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an interior of the dyedispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 4A shows a top view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the portion of the apparatus shownin FIG. 4A in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a canister for use in the dyedispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic view of a canister for use in the dyedispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a side view of the couplerfor use in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a nozzle for use in the dye dispensingapparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross sectional views of the canister for use inthe dye dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 8A shows the interior of the dye dispensing apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate the dispenser in the dye dispensing apparatusin accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict embodiments with a first dispenser and a seconddispenser in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 depicts a receptacle with an identification, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows the receptacle in the dispensing area of the apparatus, inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 12 depicts the receptacle with the identification as variouscolors, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 13 depicts the receptacle in the dispensing area, in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a simplified schematic of components used in amethod for preparing a dye formulation in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for a method for preparing a dye formulation inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a simplified flowchart of a method for recommending a desiredamount of the formulation in a color service, in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a file of a client, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example server foruse in the dye dispensing system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 19A-19B illustrate perspective views of a portion of a dyedispensing apparatus in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a dye dispensingapparatus in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 20B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a dye dispensingapparatus in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 21A illustrates a side interior view of a portion of a dyedispensing apparatus in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 21B is a front view of the dye dispensing apparatus in FIG. 21A inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosedinvention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation ofthe present technology, not as a limitation of the present technology.In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatmodifications and variations can be made in the present technologywithout departing from the scope thereof. For instance, featuresillustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used withanother embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it isintended that the present subject matter covers all such modificationsand variations within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

There is a lot of waste in the salon industry with respect to colorservice. When performing a color service, the stylist may mix too muchproduct to be used on the client. The unused, leftover product cannot bereused and is discarded. The unused product is typically not measured,so from a business side, the salon cannot quantify the losses ininventory, costs and profits due to unused, discarded product. Moreover,the stylist continues the same process time after time, continuing thesame mistakes.

The system and method disclosed herein measures, records and tracks theunused product so that based on at least some collected data, arecommendation for a desired amount of the formulation is generated. Thedispenser of the dye dispenser apparatus may be controlled by thecontroller of the dye dispenser apparatus based on the recommendeddesired amount of the formulation. In this way, the amount unusedproduct is minimized or eliminated, which saves the salon money ininventory, reduces costs and increases profits. The waste created fromthe used containers of the product and the associated packaging isdecreased, which helps the environment. By using the system and method,the stylist has minimal input on the amount of product mixed, thereby,eliminating the mistake of mixing too much product.

The dye dispensing apparatus, system and method described hereindispenses dye for hair coloring with the ability to produce a relativelylarge number (e.g., approximately 4,000) unique color formulations, anda suite of optional treatments with computer controlled, precisiondispensing. The unique color formulations may be created by masterchemists and produced in large batches remotely, such as at a factory,then packaged in recyclable, refillable and reusable canisters. The dyedispensing apparatus, system and method may dispense the dye from thecanister such as “base tones” or “base levels” which may comprise alarge portion of the dispensed color formulation; “pure tones” or “tonalvalues” which are highly concentrated dyes of particular colors; and“developer” which may be different strengths of peroxide and bleach.Combining these ingredients produce unique color formulas. The dye inthe canisters may consist of permanents, semi-permanents,demi-permanents, bleaches/lighteners, color refreshers, temporaries,toners or developers. In another embodiment, the developer is notprovided in canisters or dispensed by the dye dispensing apparatus, butis supplied in a conventional container. The canisters are configuredwith an internal valve that enables approximately all of the dye in thecanister to be dispensed without contamination. The system also includesthe functionality of inventory management and communications.

The dye dispensing apparatus, system and method may monitor theindividual canisters and transmit actual dispensed amounts to thenetwork or central server (e.g., a cloud-based application, a standaloneserver device, etc.) which, in turn, may automate inventory managementby initiating automated direct replenishment shipments of the canisters.The dye dispensing system may be operated by stylists using controlpanels or Apps on mobile devices such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone orWeb browser. Commands may be transmitted to the system from softwareoperating on an online server or from the central server.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dye dispensing apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments. A dye dispensing apparatus 100 has a housing 102made from metal, plastic, composites or a combination thereof. Thehousing 102 may be equipped with mounting holes to allow the apparatusto be mounted on a wall, secured to a countertop, mounted on a cart orfor multiple apparatuses 100 to be coupled together. A door 104 may belocated in the upper area of the housing 102 or in the side wall of thehousing 102 for access to the inside of the housing 102 such as forloading and unloading canisters or resolving any concerns that mayarise. The door 104 may have a lock option. A panel 106 with a screen ordisplay may be used to enter inputs for communication with the apparatus100 or overall dispensing system, or to serve as an information center.For example, the panel 106 may display a power mode, a login function, aqueue for dispensing, and system messages. The hair color or dye may bedispensed in a dispensing area 108, such as a nook, located in a lowerarea of the housing 102.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified schematic diagrams of a dye dispensingsystem 110 environment incorporating the apparatus 100 in accordancewith some embodiments. For example, at least one apparatus 100 may be incommunication with one or more mobile devices 112 through a network 114.The apparatuses 100 may be located at the same salon, multiple salons orlocations, or a combination thereof. The apparatus 100 includes acontroller 116. The controller 116 may be contained within the housing102 or located remotely from the apparatus 100, and in communicationwith the system 110 through the network 114, such as the Internet, awide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc. Thus, thecontroller 116 may be a micro-control unit embedded in the apparatus100, a separate standalone remote controller or computer, a cloud-basedapplication, or other appropriate device or combination of devices. Thecontroller 116 may include one or more CPU or processor boards, computerdisplays, touch screens and interface hardware. The communication ortransmitting may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof)and may be achieved through a WiFi system, Bluetooth® wirelesstechnology, Ethernet, router, cellular communications, satellitecommunications or the like. The system may also be capable of performingas a WiFi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop,computer or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In anotherembodiment, a user interface may be part of the controller 116 such aswhen the controller 116 is configured as a laptop, computer, tablet ormobile device 112, and may be used to enter inputs for communicationwith the apparatus 100 or system 110, or as an information center.

A dye formulation identifies at least one dye and an amount of the dye.This may be the recipe to create the hair coloring compositions for thecoloring service to be performed on a client. The dye formulation may becomprised of data 117 from an internal database, an external database orinput from a user.

Through the network 114, requests, commands, responses and data may betransmitted. The apparatus 100 and system 110 may support the DynamicHost Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assignment of internal IP addressesand may initiate communications over the network 114 in response toinputs. The network 114 may utilize Ethernet and Internet protocols suchas TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP or HTTPS and data formats such as HTML, JSON or XMLfor these transactions. In various embodiments, these communications mayinclude user interface interactions, periodic apparatus 100 timeouts, asystem 110 event such as the canister being inserted or removed, or thecompletion of the dispensing sequence. Communications between theapparatus 100 and the controller 116 may be via a direct or independentaccess channel through the network 114. In the event that the primarynetwork connectivity becomes unavailable, a backup system may be used,that is capable of reporting GPS coordinates and supporting operatingcommunications.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 2B, multiple apparatuses 100are located at one site, such as a salon, or at multiple sites, and maybe linked together through the network 114, creating the dye dispensingsystem 110. As shown in FIG. 2A, there may be one central controller 115or server connecting each dispensing apparatus 100, and acting as a hubto collect data and distribute commands to the multiple dye dispensingsystems 110. The central controller 115 may receive and transmit data,information or commands. Providing a network 114 in this manner enableshigh quality customer service and color formulation analytics.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an interior of the dyedispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 4A shows a top view of a portion of the apparatus 100shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments, and FIG. 4B shows aperspective view of the portion of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4A inaccordance with some embodiments. A tray 118 within the housing 102 maybe coupled to the housing 102 and is configured to hold at least onecanister 120. A bearing 170 may be coupled to the tray 118, enabling thetray 118 to rotate. The tray 118 may have any shape such as a round,carousel configuration and may be operated by a drive mechanism 124 suchas a motor. The tray 118 communicates with the controller 116. In otherembodiments, the tray 118 is fixed. The tray 118 is configured with atleast one opening 126.

In some embodiments, there may be multiple rows of openings 126, such astwo concentric rows shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. For example, the tray 118 maycontain up to 50 openings 126 arranged in two rows, having an inner rowwith 20 openings 126 and an outer row with 30 openings 126. In otherembodiments, the tray 118 may be square-shaped with 40 openings 126arranged in four rows. In yet another embodiment, the tray 118 may beoctagonal-shaped with 40 openings 126 arranged in clusters. The shape ofthe tray 118 and the arrangement of the openings 126 is customizabledepending on the application. The ability to change the size, shape andnumber of openings enables the apparatus 100 to be reduced in overallsize to accommodate space constraints in the salon. Moreover, theoverall size of the apparatus 100 can be reduced if the particularapplication requires a small number of canisters 120. For example, thesalon may offer a limited amount of color formulations thus only needing10 canisters 120 instead of up to 50 canisters 120.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a canister 120 for use in the dyedispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments and FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic view of a canister 120for use in the dye dispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 inaccordance with some embodiments. At least one canister 120 is coupledto the at least one opening 126 of the tray 118. Each canister 120 isconfigured with an identifier 128, an internal valve 130, a nozzle 132,a sleeve 133 and dye 134. The sleeve 133 is configured to contain thedye 134. In one embodiment, the canister 120 is modular andinterchangeable with one another. The storage capability may be, forexample, up to 8.6 ounces but may also vary depending on the size of thesleeve. In practice, the dye 134 cannot be exposed to air until justbefore the color treatment. Therefore, the canisters 120 are airtightand may be composed of a metal such as aluminum, composite or acombination thereof.

Each canister 120 is labeled with a unique identifier 128 such as abarcode, QR code, catalog number or icon code. Identifier 128 may bescanned, read and recognized by a device such as a reader 136. Thereader 136 may be a standalone unit or part of the controller 116 andlocated within the housing. The reader 136 may be coupled to the sidewall or top wall of the housing, on the dispenser or any location with adirect view of the canisters 120. Other technologies may be used foruniquely identifying the canisters 120 such as by RFID (radio-frequencyidentification) technology, NFC (near-field communication) technology orthe like. In some embodiments, the identifier 128 verifies the presenceof the canister 120 in the apparatus 100 and identifies the particularcontents in the canister 120 such as the color of the dye 134. Otherinformation may be included in the identifier 128 such as the productname, date the canister 120 was filled with the particular dye 134, theamount of the dye remaining in the canister 120, a lot or batch numberand any other notes the manufacturer may wish to include.

The reader 136 communicates with the controller 116. The reader 136 isconfigured to scan, read and recognize the identifier 128 labeled on thecanister 120 and communicates the information to the controller 116. Thecontroller 116 may recognize the information embedded in the identifier128 such as product name, quantity remaining in the canister 120 and lotor batch number. In another embodiment, there may be two or more readers136 designed to identify the canister 120 located in particular areas ofthe tray 118. For example, one reader 136 may identify the canisters 120in an inner row of the tray 118 while another reader 136 identifies thecanisters 120 in the outer row of the tray 118.

The canister 120 may be recyclable, refillable and reusable in thesystem 110 and is configured to be pressurized by a gas. The canister120 may include a port 138 for injecting the gas. For example, thecanister 120 may be a nitrogen pressurized canister 120. The gas and dye134 are separated within the canister by an internal sleeve that enablesthe dye 134 to move uniformly downward towards an internal valve 130when external force or pressure is exerted on the canister 120. FIGS. 6Aand 6B show a perspective view and a side view of a coupler 140 for usein the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments.The canister 120 couples to the coupler 140 at the bottom end of thecanister 120 where the dye 134 is dispensed. In some embodiments, thecoupler 140 may be integral to openings 126 in the tray 118, integral tothe canister 120 or a separate component. The coupler 140 supports thecanister 120 in the opening 126. For example, the valve 130 is locatedon the bottom end of the canister 120. When a force is applied on thetop of the canister 120, the valve 130 is pushed against a protrusion141 on the coupler 140, thus opening the valve 130 and allowing and dye134 to be dispensed through the nozzle 132. The internal valve 130enables the canister 120 to dispense approximately all of the contentswithin, such as the dye 134, through the nozzle 132 via the apparatus100. In another embodiment, the canister 120 utilizes a gravity-feedsystem in which gravity is used to move the dye 134 downward through thecanister 120.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a nozzle 132 for use in the dyedispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with someembodiments. The nozzle 132 may be made from plastic, metal, compositeor the like and coupled to the coupler 140 or the sleeve 133. In thisway, contamination is prevented because each canister 120 has its ownnozzle 132. Thus, only the dye 134 from the particular canister 120flows through the nozzle 132 as opposed to many different dyes 134flowing through the same nozzle 132.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross sectional views of the canister 140 for usein the dye dispensing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the sleeve 133 is locatedexternal from the canister 120 and is integral with the coupler 140 thusthe sleeve and coupler may be one component. The nozzle 132 fits insideof the coupler 140 and has angled walls. The dye 134 is held in thepressurized canister 120. The valve 130 protrudes from the bottom end ofthe canister 120. When the valve 130 is pushed, it allows the dye 134inside of the canister 120 to flow out of the canister 120.

The nozzle 132 rests on the inside surface of the sleeve 133. Theinternal pressure inside of the canister 120 enables the valve 130 to bein a closed position, (e.g., no dye 134 will flow out of the canister120). When force is applied to the top end of the canister 120 by theactuator 144, the valve 130 is depressed in a vertically upwarddirection (e.g., inside of the canister 120), creating an opposing forceon the nozzle 132 which opens the valve 130 and releases the dye 134. Asmore force is applied by the actuator 144, the flow volume of the dye134 increases.

FIG. 8A shows the interior of the dye dispensing apparatus 100 inaccordance with some embodiments, and FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate adispenser 142 in the dye dispensing apparatus 100 in accordance withsome embodiments. The dispenser 142 includes at least one actuator 144.The actuator 144 can include mechanical and electrical components suchas a solenoid, motor and/or piston and rod assembly; a lever arm 146;and a projection 148. The actuator 144 communicates with the controller116. The actuator 144 is coupled to a first end of the lever arm 146,and the projection 148 is coupled to a second end of the lever arm 146.A mounting bracket 143 couples the dispenser 142 to a surface such asthe housing 102. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C themounting bracket 143 is L-shaped, with one end coupled to the second end147 of the actuator 144 and the other end coupled to the lever arm 146.The mounting bracket 143 is coupled to the lever arm 146 at a junction149. The junction 149 serves as a support and a pivot point for thelever arm 146. When the actuator 144 is activated, an internal rod 151of the actuator 144 is moved in an upward direction causing the leverarm 146 coupled to the first end of the actuator 144 to also move in anupward direction. At the junction 149, the lever arm moves in a downwarddirection, as in a teeter-totter effect, thus enabling the projection148 to move in a downward direction and contact the surface of thecanister 120 (not shown). This action applies pressure on the canister120 and the dispensing of the dye 134 begins. FIG. 8B depicts the rod151 of the actuator 144 non-activated and retracted. FIG. 8C shows therod 151 of the actuator 144 during dispensing, where the rod 151 isactivated and extended vertically upward.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8B-8C, the projection 148 is configured topivot and rotate enabling full contact with the top of the canister 120.The projection 148 is a component that extends from the end of the leverarm 146 and in some embodiments, the projection 148 may be part of thelever arm 146. The projection 148 is designed to optimally mate with thetop surface of the canister 120. In some embodiments, projection 148 mayhave a flat or curved surface with a spring-like material such asplastic or rubber to provide flexibility and suction. In otherembodiments, the projection 148 is composed of a rigid materialproviding resistance to the top surface of the canister 120.

When the canister 120 is aligned with a dispensing area 108, thedispenser 142 applies a downward force on the canister 120 and dispensesthe dye 134. For example, the controller 116 communicates with thereader 136. The reader 136, based on the identifier 128, identifies aselected dye 134 in a selected canister 120 associated with the dyeformulation. The selected canister 120 is aligned with the dispensingarea 108. The controller 116 communicates with the actuator 144 whichactivates and positions the lever arm 146 with the projection 148directly above the selected canister 120. The dispenser 142 applies adownward force on the selected canister 120 while the projection 148 isin direct contact with top surface of the canister 120. This opens thevalve 130 of the canister 120 and causes dye 134 to escape through thenozzle 132 of the canister 120. The dye 134 is dispensed in quantitiessuch as 0.01 grams to 140.00 grams and in any programmed ranges.

The controller 116, via the dispenser 142, starts and stops thedispensing of the dye 134 allowing for variable dispensing rates. Forexample, the dispensing may start slow, increase, level off and thendecrease as it approaches dispensing the required amount of dye 134. Therate of dispensing may be customized depending on the amount of dye tobe dispensed and the time the apparatus 100 needs to complete the dyeformulation.

In another embodiment, there may be a second dispenser in the apparatus100. FIGS. 9A and 9B 9A and 9B depict embodiments with a first dispenserand a second dispenser in accordance with some embodiments. The firstdispenser 142 a has a first actuator 144 a, a first end of the firstactuator 145 a, a second end of the first actuator 147 a, first leverarm 146 a, a first projection 148 a and a first junction 149 a. Thesecond dispenser 142 b has similar components as the first dispenser 142a but for clarity, are not labelled. Mounting brackets 143 a and 143 brespectively, couple the dispensers 142 a and 142 b to the surface. InFIG. 9A, the first dispenser 142 a and the second dispenser 142 b eachhave an actuator 144 a and 144 b respectively but in other embodiments,may share the actuator 144. In FIG. 9B, the first dispenser 142 a andthe second dispenser 142 b share the actuator 144.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, depicts independent dispensers 142 aand 142 b. This may be used when the canisters 120 on the tray 118 arein a round, carousel configuration with an inner row and outer row ofcanisters 120. The dispensers 142 a and 142 b may operate one at a time,alternately or simultaneously. The operation of the first dispenser 142a and a second dispenser 142 b is the same as described with referenceto FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the single actuator 144 such as amotor, activates one dispenser 142 a or 142 b at a time. A cam 162 withrollers 164 a and 164 b is coupled to the actuator 144. The rollers are180° from one another in this embodiment. Springs 165 a or 165 b locatedon the lever arm 146 a or 146 b aid in holding the projection 148 a or148 b off of the canisters 120. When the cam 162 rotates in a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction, the roller 164 a or 164 b contacts thelever arm 146 a or 146 b and overcomes the tension of the springs 165 aor 165 b forcing the roller 164 a or 164 b to contact the lever arm 146a or 146 b causing it to move in a downward direction. For example, whenthe rollers 164 a or 164 b contact the lever arm 146 a or 146 b, itcreates a force that overcomes the spring tension, causing the lever arm146 a or 146 b to move downward. Thus, the projection 148 a or 148 bcontacts the canister 120 (not shown) and dispensing begins. To stop thedispensing, the actuator 144 causes the cam 162 to rotate, such asfurther in the same direction or in the reverse direction, and thepressure from the roller 164 a or 164 b on the lever arm 146 a or 146 bis released and the dispensing stops. As the cam 162 rotates, the roller164 a or 164 b applies more or less pressure on the lever arm 146 a or146 b and in turn, on the canister 120. This starts and stops thedispensing of the dye 134 allowing for variable dispensing rates asdescribed herein.

The apparatus 100 further includes a measuring instrument 152 (FIG. 8A)communicating with the controller 116. The instrument 152 measures adispensed amount of the selected dye, and the dispenser stops dispensingwhen the dispensed amount of the selected dye equals the amount of thedye in the dye formulation for the at least one dye. A plate 150 islocated in the dispensing area 108 and vertically below the at least oneopening 126 with the selected canister 120. Plate 150 may be configuredwith the instrument 152 to measure the contents on the plate 150. Theinstrument 152 may be a transducer, a scale, a gauge such as a straingauge, or a combination thereof. A receptacle 154 is located on top ofthe plate 150. The receptacle 154, such as a cup or a bowl, collects thedye 134 as it is dispensed from the canister 120. The receptacle 154 maylock or snap into the plate 150 to ensure stability. The instrument 152measures the amount of dye 134 dispensed then communicates this data tothe controller 116. In one embodiment, the dispensing will not occurunless the receptacle is in the proper position. This may be indicatedvisually with an indicator light. The measuring and stopping steps foreach of the at least one dye 134 may be repeated until the dyeformulation is complete.

The receptacle 154 may be uniquely identified by having anidentification 202. In some embodiments, the identification 202 isconfigured to store information and may be selected from a groupconsisting of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, barcode, orquick response (QR) code. FIG. 10 depicts the receptacle 154 with theidentification 202, in accordance with some embodiments. Theidentification 202 may be permanently affixed to or embedded in thereceptacle 154, e.g., in a bottom portion of the receptacle as shown.

Information may be received by the controller 116 and the information isassociated with the identification 202 so that the information istracked with the identification 202. Thus, the identification 202 andthe information are stored in a computer memory connected to thecontroller 116. The information comprises at least one of stylistinformation, client information of a client, attributes of hair of theclient, a formulation, a type of application for the formulation, alocation on a head of the client for the formulation, and a firstdesired amount of the formulation. A scanner 204, in communication withthe controller 116, is coupled to the plate 150 in the dispensing area108 and configured to read the identification 202 and the informationassociated with the identification 202. FIG. 11 shows the receptacle 154in the dispensing area 108 of the apparatus 100, in accordance with someembodiments. The receptacle 154 with the identification 202 isidentified by the scanner 204 on the plate 150.

The receptacle 154 may be comprised of a plastic, composite or resin invarious colors and may be reusable after thoroughly cleaning after use.In some embodiments, the identification 202 is a particular color of thereceptacle 154, for example, red, green, blue, purple, black, lightblue, white or yellow. FIG. 12 depicts the receptacle 154 with theidentification 202 as various colors, in accordance with someembodiments. In this example embodiment, the scanner 204 is one or moreoptical color sensors 206 to detect color, specifically, the color ofthe receptacle 154. For example, one or more light emitting diodes(LEDs) 208 may illuminate the dispensing area 108, and hence thereceptacle 154, when the receptacle 154 is on the plate 150. FIG. 13depicts the receptacle 154 in the dispensing area 108, in accordancewith some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 154 is a particular color and theoptical color sensors 206 sense RGB color codes of the receptacle 154and transmit these to the controller 116. The controller 116 defines thecolor from the RGB color codes and uses the color as the identification202. In this scenario, the information received from the controller 116is associated with the identification 202, e.g., color, and stored inthe computer memory. In some embodiments, camera technology may be usedto identify the color. When the receptacle 154 is in the dispensing area108, the scanner 204 automatically reads the identification 202 and thecontroller 116 automatically reads the information associated with theidentification 202.

Typically, the salon industry relies on the knowledge and ability of thestylist to create the dye formulation, distributing the correct amountof the dye comprising the dye formulation and hand mixing. This may leadto inaccuracies and non-repeatable results. The present dye dispensingsystem and method offers unique hair coloring compositions inrecyclable, refillable and reusable canisters reduces waste and improveshair color services with dye formulations and dispensing control, thusretaining customers while providing new client opportunities. FIG. 14illustrates a simplified schematic of components used in a method forpreparing a dye formulation in accordance with some embodiments. In thisembodiment, the components may be base levels 156 of various colors andtonal values 158 of different pigments contained in the canisters 120.These components are dispensed by the apparatus 100 according to the dyeformulation and collected in the receptacle 154. A developer 160 of, forexample, 5-40% may be added to or be part of the dye formulation toproduce the final hair coloring composition to use on the hair of aclient.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for a method for preparing a dye formulation inaccordance with some embodiments. The dye dispensing method 1100includes at step 1110, providing a dye dispensing apparatus. Theapparatus includes a controller and a tray. The tray communicates withthe controller and is configured with at least one opening. At least onecanister is configured with an identifier and a dye. The dye isassociated with the identifier. A reader communicates with thecontroller. A dispenser comprises an actuator communicating with thecontroller and a lever arm. The lever arm is coupled to the actuator andconfigured with a projection.

At step 1120, the reader, based on the identifier, identifies a selecteddye in a selected canister associated with a dye formulation. At step1130, the selected canister is aligned with the dispensing area. At step1140, the dispenser applies a downward force on the selected canister.At step 1150, the selected dye is dispensed.

In a non-limiting example, a client would like to change the color ofher hair. To use the dye dispensing apparatus 100 and method 1100, thestylist uses a user interface such as a device 112, such as a laptop,computer, tablet or mobile phone. This may be through an App or softwarepackage or program. The stylist inputs information about the client onwhich the dye formulation will be applied, such as color desired, lengthof hair, thickness of hair and texture of hair. The controller 116generates a request for the dye formulation based on the information.The dye formulation is comprised of data 117 from an internal database,an external database or input from a user. For example, in someembodiments, the dye formulation may be created by the controller 116accessing a database stored in the controller 116 or stored remotelyfrom the apparatus 100 or the user may input the dye formulation.

The dye formulation includes an identifier 128 and a specified amount ofdye 134 for each of at least one dye 134. The dye formulation, like arecipe, may be comprised of at least one dye 134, including theidentifier 128 and quantity of each dye 134 needed to complete the dyeformulation. In this example, three different dyes 134 are required forthe dye formulation. For example, 0.1 grams of dye F1, 5.05 grams of dyeF2 and 4.03 grams of dye F3 comprise the dye formulation.

In one embodiment, a formulation code is generated and inputted into thepanel 106 of the apparatus 100 or through the user interface, the device112, such as a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone which may be thesame as the controller 116. The formulation code may also be associatedwith the particular stylist and be used to track different informationor aspects by stylist. For example, the stylist enters the formulationcode on the touch screen, or panel 106, located on the apparatus 100. Inanother embodiment, the stylist enters the information on a personalmobile device 112. The controller 116 then transmits a signal to thereader 136 and the reader 136 reads the identifier 128 on the canisters120 and identifies a selected dye 134 in a selected canister 120associated with a dye formulation such as dye F1 based on the identifier128. The controller 116 transmits a signal to a drive mechanism 124 suchas a motor, and in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 124 rotates thetray 118 until the selected canister 120, dye F1, is aligned with thedispensing area 108. The actuator 144, such as the actuator, receives asignal from the controller 116, and the lever arm 146 is moved ortranslated until the projection 148 is directly above the selectedcanister 120 of dye F1. A downward force is applied on the selectedcanister 120 of dye F1 by the actuator 144 and through the lever arm 146and projection 148 applying pressure on the selected canister 120 of dyeF1. In one embodiment, 10-15 psi of pressure is applied forapproximately 0.01 seconds to 3.0 seconds so that 0.01 grams of dye F1is dispensed. The dye 134 is dispensed through the nozzle 132 andcollected in the receptacle 154 which is positioned on the plate 150 ofthe dispensing area 108.

The instrument 152, such as the transducer, coupled to the plate 150measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye 134 associated withthe dye formulation and provides feedback to the controller 116, so thatthe controller 116 can stop the dispenser 142 from dispensing. Thedispenser 142 stops the dispensing when the dispensed amount of theselected dye 134 equals the amount of the dye in the dye formulation forthe at least one dye 134. This ensures the precise quantity of dyedispensed. In this example, the instrument 152 measures the dispenseddye F1 and transmits a signal to the controller 116 reporting that 0.01grams of dye F1 was received. The controller 116 then sends a signal tothe reader 136 to find the next identifier 128, dye F2, in the dyeformulation. The steps in the method are repeated, as well as repeatingthe measuring and stopping steps for each of the at least one dye 134until the dye formulation is completed. This includes identifying thecanister 120 for dye F2, rotating the tray 118, dispensing the selecteddye 134 and measuring the amount of dye dispensed. The method 1100 isthen repeated to dispense the contents of dye F3. Once the contents ofdye F1, dye F2 and dye F3 are dispensed, the dye formulation iscomplete. In some embodiments, F1, F2, F3 to F(x) may also be adeveloper instead of a dye. When the dye formulation is complete, thestylist is notified by an indicator light and/or a message on the userinterface or panel 106.

In some embodiments, the dispenser 142 may initially dispense too muchof the first dye 134 in the dye formulation, such as of F1 in the dyeformulation. If this occurs, the controller 116 will perform adjustmentsin the values of the other dyes 134 in the dye formulation such that theproper ratios of F1, F2 and F3 are dispersed to obtain the target color.

The canisters 120 may be recyclable, refillable and reusable so thatwhen all of the dye 134 is dispensed from the canister 120 and thecanister 120 is empty, the canisters 120 may be refilled and reloadedinto the dye dispensing apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the canister120 is refilled remotely by the manufacture and then shipped to thesalon. The refilled canister 120 may be loaded in the apparatus 100through the door 104 in the housing 102.

The apparatus, system or method may send notifications in the form of anindicator light, messages on the user interface or the like, duringoperation. For example, the stylist may be provided with instructions onthe user interface to load a particular canister 120. This may occur ifthe required dye 134 within the canister 120 is not available in theapparatus 100, or if a particular canister runs out of dye duringdispensing, or if the dye dispensing apparatus, system or methodmalfunctions.

To reduce the waste in the salon industry with respect to color service,its useful to accurately recommend, or predict, and accurately measurethe amount of dye formulation needed per application on the client. Toaccurately recommend the amount of dye formulation needed, many factorsneed to be considered. For example, each stylist has their own way orstyle of applying the dye formulation which may require more or less ofthe dye formulation for the same client and service than for a differentstylist. Other factors that influence the amount of dye formulationneeded are different attributes of the hair of the client, such as typeof hair, thickness of hair, and length of hair, the type of applicationfor the formulation, such as highlights, root-boost or all over color,and the location on a head of the client where the formulation isapplied such as roots only, all over, or only a portion of the ends ofthe hair.

The dye dispensing system 110, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, may be usedin non-limiting example such as the method 1600 for recommending adesired amount of the formulation in a color service. FIG. 16 is asimplified flowchart of the method 1600, in accordance with someembodiments. The specific steps, order of steps, and combination ofsteps are shown for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. Otherembodiments may use other specific steps, orders of steps, and/orcombinations of steps to perform generally the same or similar overallfunction.

In the non-limiting example, a client requests a color service. Theassigned stylist may use the device 112, such as a mobile phone, atablet, a computer, a kiosk, a smartwatch or the like, to enterinformation about herself (e.g., the stylist), the client and theservice. The information may comprise at least one of stylistinformation, client information of a client, attributes of hair of theclient, a formulation, a type of application for the formulation, alocation on a head of the client for the formulation, and a firstdesired amount of the formulation. This information is transmitted bythe network 114 and received by the controller 116. In this example, thecontroller 116 is located in the apparatus 100 but may also be locatedremotely from the apparatus 100. The information may be stored in acomputer memory or the database.

At step 1610, the dye dispensing system 110 may receive a receptacle 154having an identification 202 in the dispensing area 108, such as whenthe stylist places the receptacle 154 in the dispensing area 108. Asdescribed herein, the identification 202 may be a RFID tag, barcode,quick response (QR) code, or color of the receptacle 154. In thisembodiment, the identification 202 is an RFID tag.

At step 1612, the scanner 204 of the dye dispensing system 110identifies or reads the identification 202 associated with thereceptacle 154. At step 1614, the controller 116 of the dye dispensingsystem 110 receives the information from the device 112 and associatesthe information with the identification 202. The information, as definedin this example, may comprise at least one of stylist information suchas an ID number unique to the stylist; client information of a clientsuch as name, address and phone number; attributes of the hair of theclient such as length of hair, thickness of hair, degree of naturalcurliness; a formulation to be applied on the client such as the customcolor composition, formula or recipe; a type of application for theformulation such as root-boost, highlights, color all-over or a portionof the ends of the hair; a location on a head of the client for theformulation such as on the roots only, all of the hair, or only the endsof the hair; and a first desired amount of the formulation. The firstdesired amount of the dye formulation may be comprised of the data 117from an internal database, an external database or input from a user. Atstep 1616, a first dispenser 142 a of the dye dispensing system 110dispenses the first desired amount of the formulation into thereceptacle 154.

At step 1618, the measuring instrument 152 in the dispensing area 108measures a dispensed amount of the formulation in the receptacle 154 andthe measured dispensed amount is associated with the identification 202.This may occur automatically, without user input. The stylist may removethe receptacle 154 and start the service on the client.

Once the stylist completes the service, the receptacle 154 may bereturned to the dispensing area 108 so that the unused formulation maybe measured. For example, at step 1620, after the receptacle 154 hasbeen removed from the dispensing area 108, the receptacle 154 isreceived back in the dispensing area 108. At step 1622, the scanner 204reads the identification 202 associated with the receptacle 154 and thecontroller 116 automatically reads the information associated with theidentification 202. At step 1624, the instrument 152 measures an amountof unused formulation in the receptacle 154, and the measured unusedamount is associated with the identification 202. At step 1626, thecontroller 116 records collected data comprising the information, themeasured dispensed amount, and the measured unused amount, to a file ina database. The database may be internal to the controller 116 or may belocated at the central controller 115. Optionally, a used amount of theformulation may be calculated from the dispensed amount of theformulation and the amount of unused formulation. This may be associatedwith the identification 202 and recorded to the file in the database.

At step 1628, the controller 116 recommends a second desired amount ofthe formulation based on at least some of the collected data from atleast one file in the database. Step 1628 may occur now or after a largetime gap such as on a subsequent visit by the client to the salon whenrequesting the same color service as the previous visit. At step 1630, asecond dispenser 142 b dispenses the second desired amount of theformulation. In some embodiments, the first dispenser 142 a and thesecond dispenser 142 b are the same such as when the same apparatus 100is used for both dispensings. This may be the case when the client is atthe same salon with only one apparatus 100. In some embodiments, thefirst dispenser 142 a and the second dispenser 142 b are different, suchas when two different apparatuses 100 are used in the dispensings. Thismay be the case when the client is at two different salons or thestylist uses different apparatuses 100 located at the same salon.

In some embodiments, the first dispenser 142 a is controlled by thecontroller 116 based on the first desired amount of the formulation. Insome embodiments, the second dispenser 142 b is controlled by thecontroller 116 based on the second desired amount of the formulation.The first dispenser 142 a and the second dispenser 142 b may be the samedispenser.

In some embodiments, the method 1600, measures, records and tracks thecollected data comprising of i) the information (e.g., at least one ofstylist information, client information of a client, attributes of hairof the client, a formulation to be applied on the client, a type ofapplication for the formulation, a location on a head of the client forthe formulation, and a first desired amount of the formulation), ii) themeasured dispensed amount, and iii) the measured unused amount. Thecollected data may also be used to recommend the second desired amountof the formulation in files in the database for all clients. The filesserve as a historical account of services performed on the client, andfrom this, reports and statistics may be generated by the controller 116or central controller 115 for any subset of data correlated to differentcharacteristics. For example, statistics may be generated by thecontroller 116 for used amounts of formulations correlated withstylists, clients, attributes of hair, types of applications, orlocations on the head of the client. These statistics may be based onone file in the database—one client—or an aggregate of the files in thedatabase—various clients.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a file of a client, in accordance withsome embodiments. The file for client #24601 shows accounts from thelast three color services in which the same formulation was applied ashighlights. The following data was recorded: the first desired amount ofthe formulation (which becomes the second desired amount of formulationrecommended in subsequent services), the dispensed amount of theformulation, the amount of unused formulation, and the additional amountneeded to complete the service. From these, the amount of usedformulation is calculated. In service #1, 114.6 grams of the formulationwas used, in service #2, 115.4 grams of the formulation was used, and inservice #3, 117.7 grams of the formulation was used. The hair growthover time of the client may account for the upward trend in the dyeformulation used.

For the current service for client #24601, or service #4, the seconddesired amount of the formulation recommended may be based on thedispensed amount of the formulation and the amount of unused formulationfrom at least one file in the database, or from an aggregate of thefiles in the database. In the first example embodiment based on one filesuch as the current client, 118.3 grams of the formulation may berecommended. In the second example embodiment, the second desired amountof the formulation may be based on at least some of the collected datafrom an aggregate of the files in the database. For example, the seconddesired amount of the formulation may be based on all the clients in thedatabase with medium length hair when the current client also has mediumhair. In this case, 116.0 grams may be recommended as the second desiredamount of the formulation.

The collected data from an aggregate of the files in the database torecommend the second desired amount of the formulation may be useful fora new client requesting a color service. For example, if the new clientrequests a root-boost color service, the average amount of formulationused for all clients in the database for the root-boost color servicecould be used. By following the steps in method 1600, a file is createdfor the new client with the collected data so that for the next colorservice, the file of the client can be consulted.

A calculation of the second desired amount of the formulation reduceswaste of the formulation relative to the first desired amount of theformulation. By using the method 1600, the recommendation of the seconddesired amount of formulation may be the same as the amount of the usedformulation thereby reducing or eliminating the unused amount offormulation leftover in a color service that is typically discarded.This has significant impacts on the salon by reducing overall inventory.This in turn reduces the containers and packaging associated with theinventory thus lessening the burden on the environment. It aids thestylist, especially those lacking the knowledge and skills required toselect and mix the components to obtain the proper amount of formulationfor the color service to avoid errors in mixing too much product,inconsistencies and “do-overs” which contribute to more waste.

Incentives for stylists may be implemented based on various aspects.Data may be tracked by stylist, so the stylist with the least amount ofunused formulation may be rewarded. In some embodiments, data aggregatedfrom multiple files in the database may be used for training purposes.Moreover, an assistant to the stylist may be utilized by performing someof the tasks such as the measuring of the receptacle 154 to free up timeand workload of the stylist.

In some embodiments, the stylist may run out of the formulation duringthe color service. In this case, the receptacle 154 may be returned tothe dispensing area 108. The scanner 204 reads the identification 202associated with the receptacle 154 and the controller 116 automaticallyreads the information associated with the identification 202. In thisway, the apparatus 100 determines all of the information without userinput. The controller 116 may transmit inquires to the device 112 or thepanel 106 of the apparatus 100 to determine the status of the colorservice such as percentage completed. The controller 116 may calculatean additional amount of formulation needed to complete the color servicefor the stylist. After the scanner 204 identifies the identification 202associated with the receptacle 154 and the information associated withthe identification 202, a portion of the first desired amount of theformulation is dispensed to be used to finish the color service. Thisamount may be associated with the identification 202 and recorded to thefile in the database. This process occurs quickly, such as withinseconds, because the apparatus has all the necessary information due torecognizing the identification 202 on the receptacle 154 and theassociated information.

FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example server 1800(representing any combination of one or more of the servers, e.g., thecentral controller 115) for use in the dye dispensing system 110, inaccordance with some embodiments. Other embodiments may use othercomponents and combinations of components. For example, the server 1800may represent one or more physical computer devices or servers, such asweb servers, rack-mounted computers, network storage devices, desktopcomputers, laptop/notebook computers, etc., depending on the complexityof the dye dispensing system 110. In some embodiments implemented atleast partially in a cloud network potentially with data synchronizedacross multiple geolocations, the server 1800 may be referred to as oneor more cloud servers. In some embodiments, the functions of the server1800 are enabled in a single computer device. In more compleximplementations, some of the functions of the computing system aredistributed across multiple computer devices, whether within a singleserver farm facility or multiple physical locations. In someembodiments, the server 1800 functions as a single virtual machine.

In some embodiments, wherein the server 1800 represents multiplecomputer devices, some of the functions of the server 1800 areimplemented in some of the computer devices, while other functions areimplemented in other computer devices. For example, various portions ofthe dye dispensing system 110 can be implemented on the same computerdevice or separate computer devices. In the illustrated embodiment, theserver 1800 generally includes at least one processor 1802, a mainelectronic memory 1804, a data storage 1806, a user I/O 1809, and anetwork I/O 1810, among other components not shown for simplicity,connected or coupled together by a data communication subsystem 1812,within the dye dispensing system 110.

The processor 1802 represents one or more central processing units onone or more PCBs (printed circuit boards) in one or more housings orenclosures. In some embodiments, the processor 1802 represents multiplemicroprocessor units in multiple computer devices at multiple physicallocations interconnected by one or more data channels. When executingcomputer-executable instructions for performing the above describedfunctions of the server 1800 in cooperation with the main electronicmemory 1804, the processor 1802 becomes a special purpose computer forperforming the functions of the instructions.

The main electronic memory 1804 represents one or more RAM modules onone or more PCBs in one or more housings or enclosures. In someembodiments, the main electronic memory 1804 represents multiple memorymodule units in multiple computer devices at multiple physicallocations. In operation with the processor 1802, the main electronicmemory 1804 stores the computer-executable instructions executed by, anddata processed or generated by, the processor 1802 to perform the abovedescribed functions of the server 1800.

The data storage 1806 represents or comprises any appropriate number orcombination of internal or external physical mass storage devices, suchas hard drives, optical drives, network-attached storage (NAS) devices,flash drives, etc. In some embodiments, the data storage 1806 representsmultiple mass storage devices in multiple computer devices at multiplephysical locations. The data storage 1806 generally provides persistentstorage (e.g., in a non-transitory computer-readable or machine-readablemedium 1808) for the programs (e.g., computer-executable instructions)and data used in operation of the processor 1802 and the main electronicmemory 1804.

In some embodiments, the programs and data in the data storage 1806include, but are not limited to, a receiver 1820 for receiving anidentification; a receiver 1822 for receiving information; an associate1824 for associating the information with the identification; a recorder1826 for recording collected data comprising the information, themeasured dispensed amount, and the measured unused amount, to a file inthe database; a recommender 1828 to calculate and recommend a seconddesired amount of the formulation based on at least some of thecollected data from at least one file in the database; an eventscheduler 1830 for coordinating the scheduling of dispensing; acalculator 1832 for preforming calculations; one or more parsingroutines 1834 for parsing data; a searching routine 1836 for searchingthrough the various types of information stored in the main electronicmemory 1804 or the data storage 1806; a reading routine 1838 for readinginformation from the data storage 1806 into the main electronic memory1804; a storing routine 1840 for storing files and information into themain electronic memory 1804 or the data storage 1806; a networkcommunication services program 1842 for sending and receiving networkcommunication through the network 114; a gateway services program 1844for serving as a gateway to communicate information between servers andusers; among other programs and data. Under control of these programsand using this data, the processor 1802, in cooperation with the mainelectronic memory 1804, performs the above described functions for theserver 1800.

The user I/O 1809 represents one or more appropriate user interfacedevices, such as keyboards, pointing devices, displays, etc. In someembodiments, the user I/O 1809 represents multiple user interfacedevices for multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations. Asystem administrator, for example, may use these devices to access,setup and control the server 1800.

The network I/O 1810 represents any appropriate networking devices, suchas network adapters, etc. for communicating through the dye dispensingsystem 110. In some embodiments, the network I/O 1810 representsmultiple such networking devices for multiple computer devices atmultiple physical locations for communicating through multiple datachannels.

The data communication subsystem 1812 represents any appropriatecommunication hardware for connecting the other components in a singleunit or in a distributed manner on one or more PCBs, within one or morehousings or enclosures, within one or more rack assemblies, within oneor more geographical locations, etc.

The dye dispensing system 110 includes a memory 1804 storing executableinstructions (loaded from the data storage 1806) and a processor 1802.The processor 1802 is coupled to the memory 1804 and performs the method1600 by executing the instructions stored in the memory 1804. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium 1808 includes instructions that,when executed by the processor 1802, cause the processor 1802 to performoperations including the method 1600 as described herein.

One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described hereincan be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware,software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or featurescan include implementation in one or more computer programs that areexecutable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including atleast one programmable processor, which can be special or generalpurpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmitdata and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device,and at least one output device. The programmable system or computingsystem may include clients and servers. A client and server aregenerally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of client and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a client-server relationship to each other.

These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs,software, software applications, applications, components, or code,include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can beimplemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-orientedprogramming language, a functional programming language, a logicalprogramming language, and/or an assembly/machine language. As usedherein, the term “machine-readable medium” (i.e., non-transitorycomputer-readable media) refers to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device, such as for example magnetic discs, opticaldisks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, includinga machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as amachine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers toany signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to amachine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium can store suchmachine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would anon-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any similarstorage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively oradditionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, suchas for example as would a processor cache or other random access memoryassociated with one or more physical processor cores.

To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or featuresof the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) ora liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitor,for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice, such as for example a mouse, a touchpad or a trackball, by whichthe user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, suchas for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback;and input from the user may be received in any form, including, but notlimited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible inputdevices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or othertouch-sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive orcapacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, opticalscanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associatedinterpretation software, and the like.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate perspective views of a portion of the dyedispensing apparatus 100 in accordance with some embodiments. In thisconfiguration, a shaft 166 has an extension 168. The shaft 166 may becoupled to the tray 118 such at the center of the tray 118. Thedispenser 142 is coupled to the extension, and the plate 150 with theinstrument 152 is coupled to the shaft 166. The instrument 152 may be astrain gauge. The receptacle 154 is coupled to the plate 150 in thedispensing area 108. The aligning of the selected canister 120 with thedispensing area 108 is by the drive mechanism 124. The drive mechanism124 is configured to rotate the shaft 166 thus also rotating theextension 168, dispenser 142 and plate 150, while the tray 118 isstationary. The drive mechanism 124 may be a motor coupled to gears, anda bearing 170 may be coupled to the shaft 166 or tray 118 to enable therotation of the shaft 166.

For example, the reader 136 may be coupled to the shaft 166, theextension 168 or the plate 150. In this way, when the shaft 166 isrotated by the drive mechanism 124, the reader 136 can identify theselected canister 120. Once the selected canister 120 is identified, theselected canister 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108. Thedispenser 142 may be a dual dispenser 142 a, 142 b as shown in FIG. 9B.As described previously, the controller 116 communicates with the drivemechanism 124 to align the selected canister 120 with the dispensingarea 108. The controller 116 also communicates with the actuator 144which activates and positions the lever arm 146 a, 146 b with theprojection 148 a, 148 b directly above the selected canister 120. Thedispenser 142 a, 142 b applies a downward force on the selected canister120 while the projection 148 a, 148 b is in direct contact with topsurface of the canister 120. This opens the valve 130 of the canister120 and causes dye 134 to escape through the nozzle 132 of the canister120. This may be collected in the receptacle 154. This may be repeateduntil all of the contents of the dye formulation have been dispensed.The nozzle 132 on the canister 120 may be cleaned of residue by a brushcoupled to the shaft 166. As the shaft 166 rotates, the brush contactsthe nozzle 132 removing residue.

FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the dyedispensing apparatus 100 in yet another configuration for moving thecanisters. In this embodiment, a track 172 is coupled to the tray 118and has at least one cart 174. There may be one or more carts 174forming a train 176. The track 172 may have a two-rail configuration orother suitable configurations. The cart 174 is configured to hold atleast one canister 120. The drive mechanism 124 may be placed in a cart174 and configured to translate the cart 174 or train 176 riding on thetrack 172 by a motor. The dispenser 142 may be a single design such asshown in FIG. 8B or a dual design such as shown in FIG. 9A or 9B. Thetray 118 is configured with at least one opening 126. This may serve asthe dispensing area 108 with the plate 150 and receptacle 154 configureddirectly below opening 126.

The dispenser 142 may be coupled to the housing 102. The aligning of theselected canister 120 with the dispensing area 108 is by the drivemechanism 124 through the controller 116. For example, the reader 136may be coupled to the housing 102, the tray 118 or the dispenser 142. Inthis way, when the cart 174 or train 176 is translated along the track172 by the drive mechanism 124, the reader 136 can identify the selectedcanister 120. Once the selected canister 120 is identified, the selectedcanister 120 via the cart 174 on the track 172 is translated until it isaligned with the dispensing area 108. The dispenser 142 then contactsthe selected canister 120 with the projection 148 and dispenses theselected dye 134. This may be repeated until all of the contents of thedye formulation have been dispensed. The nozzle 132 on the canister 120may be cleaned of residue by a brush coupled to the underside of thetray 118. As the cart 174 translates along the track 172, the brushcontacts the nozzle 132 removing residue.

In other embodiments, the dispenser 142 of FIG. 20A may instead becoupled to the mounting bracket 143 (as shown in FIG. 8B) and operate asdescribed in FIG. 8B with reference to the dispenser 142. Alternatively,the dispenser 142 may be coupled to the shaft 166 as shown in FIGS. 19Aand 19B and operate in the same manner as described.

FIG. 20B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the dyedispensing apparatus 100 in yet another configuration, similar to FIG.20A. In this embodiment, the track 172 may have a two-rail configurationwith the drive mechanism 124 which includes a motor, chain 178 andpulley system. The chain 178 is located between the two-rail track 172and coupled to the cart 174. The cart 174 or train 176 is translatedalong the track 172 by the chain 178 driven system. The motor of thedrive mechanism 124 may be located on the tray 118 or another suitablelocation.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes an optical sensor 184 todetect the position and/or presence of the at least one canister 120.The sensor 184 may be coupled to the apparatus 100 at, for example, theshaft 166 (refer to FIG. 19A), the tray 118, the housing 102 (refer toFIG. 20A), or any location with a direct view of the canisters 120, andbe in communication with the reader 136 via the controller 116. In thisway, as the canister 120 and sensor 184 pass one another, the sensor 184detects the presence and position of the canister 120 creating a map forwhich openings 126 have canisters 120. Then, communicating with thecontroller 116 and/or reader 136, the reader 136 then identifies thecanister 120 via the identifier 128.

FIG. 21A illustrates a side interior view of a portion of the dyedispensing apparatus 100 in an embodiment in which the apparatus 100 isconfigured with only one canister 120. The canister 120 may be loadedvia the door 104 which may be located on the side of the housing 102 oron top of the housing 102. A lock 180 for the door 104 may be providedfor security. The canister is coupled to the nozzle 132 and fits intothe coupler 140 in the opening 126 of the tray 118. The actuator 144,for example, a solenoid, is mounted to the tray 118 or the housing 102by a strut 182. The dispenser 142 depresses the canister 120 to dispensethe dye 134 within the canister 120 into the dispensing area 108 andinto the receptacle 154 on the plate 150 with the instrument 152.

FIG. 21B is a front view of the dye dispensing apparatus 100 in FIG. 21Ain accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus may be operated bythe panel 106 or by the mobile device 112. In one embodiment, aplurality of apparatuses 100 are mounted together, each having onecanister 120, communicating and controlled by the controller 116. Thedye formulation is comprised of different dyes 134, for example, F1, F2,F3 to F(x) and may be communicated to the user on the panel 106 or bythe mobile device 112. After F1 is dispensed, the receptacle 154 may bemoved to the next apparatus 100 where F2 is dispensed. After F2 isdispensed, the receptacle 154 may be moved to the next apparatus 100where F3 is dispensed, and so on, until the dye formulation is complete.Alternatively, there may be only one apparatus 100 and the selectedcanister 120 may be loaded after each dye 134 is dispensed until the dyeformulation is complete. The user may be directed via the user interfaceto accomplish the loading and unloading of the canisters 120 and/ormoving the receptacle 154 to collect the dispensed dye 134.

The dye dispensing system or method is a comprehensive solutionproviding precision repeatability for custom dye formulas, packaginginnovation, aid for the open stock inventory, and reorderingcapabilities. In some embodiments, virtually all of the dye within thecanister is utilized. The salon industry generally struggles with wasteduring color services, inventory management expense and carrying costs,customer retention issues associated with the quality of hair colorformulations and high customer acquisition costs. For hair dye, theindustry generally relies on a small container such as a tube filledwith dye. When performing a color service on a client, the stylist mixesthe color hair by using a portion of the dye from the tube and multipletubes are typically required. This stresses the environment withexcessive packaging and waste because leftover hair color and packagingare distributed into water systems and landfills. Additionally, theunused portion of the dye in the container often goes to waste becauseit may not be needed for another client or is ruined due to oxygenexposure. By utilizing the canisters as opposed to the typical tubes ofdye, tube, dye waste and packaging are eliminated. The typical tube ofdye is approximately 1.7 ounces to 3.2 ounces. By using the canisterswhich in one embodiment, is configured to contain 8.6 ounces, many tubesare replaced with one recyclable, refillable and reusable canister.

The dye dispensing system 110 may be configured to track inventory andgenerate reports. For example, the identifier 128 of each canister 120may be read during installation, and thereby the dye dispensing system110 may monitor, track and reorder inventory. A self-diagnostic scan maybe performed by the controller 116 or reader 136, or a combination ofthe two, to monitor the current operation status, location errors,warnings or failures.

The dye dispensing system 110 may automate the reordering process of thecanisters 120 and salon payment processes. For example, an inventorymanagement system may initiate replacement orders. The orders may bewith an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping thus savingthe salon owner inventory carrying costs and management labor. Theinventory may be vetted against shipping data to track the informationfrom order to delivery. The canisters 120 with the dyes 134 may beautomatically invoiced and purchased electronically and automaticallythus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the processing ofaccounts receivable of the salon. In some embodiments, the method has atiered marketing strategy offering direct sales to top tier salons andmanufacturer representatives for lower tiers. In other embodiments,factory direct shipping of the canister reduces shipping costs and outerpackaging.

Conventionally, the stylist hand-mixes the dye combinations of haircolors that are manually dispensed from tubes, containers or bottles.The industry relies on rudimentary hand-mixing tools. A poorly mixedhair color formula may result in hot spots on the scalp and inconsistentcolor results on the hair. In one embodiment, a cap for the receptacle154 is provided. The cap is configured with an opening which thedispensed dye 134 may flow through when the cap is coupled to thereceptacle. The cap may also be configured with a whisk driven by amotor. When the cap is coupled to the receptacle 154, the dispensed dye134 in the receptacle 154 may be mixed by the whisk to the correctconsistency, thereby mixing all of the dye 134 evenly so as not to leaveany unmixed color on the surface of the receptacle 154. The whisk may beconfigured to be disconnected from the motor by, for example, a push andturn mechanism operating counterclockwise to the rotation of the whisk.The material of the receptacle and whisk may minimize friction and aidin cleaning hydrophobic materials. The whisk may removable and cleanedafter each use.

In another embodiment, the dye dispensing system 110 is configured witha 360° image capturing capability, designed to produce an image of theclient's head and shoulders. An associated application would provide anavatar of the hair and face along with a pallet of dye colors to try on,allowing the client to visualize how they would look with various colorsof hair. Once selected, the target color may be translated into aformula for distribution by the dye dispensing system 110. In a furtherembodiment, an optical scanner may capture a three-dimensional image ofthe client that may be used to calculate the volume of dye required tocolor the hair and transmit the information to the dye dispensing system110.

In yet another embodiment, the dye dispensing system is configured witha sensor to provide hair color feedback. Digital profiles of theclient's hair before and after the hair color applications may beevaluated to access the quality of the dye formula in relation to thetarget color selected by the client. The hair of each client hasdiffering characteristics that impacts the results of the hair colortreatment. The feedback loop may provide data for optimizing the formulatowards the target color with each use based on algorithms to translatethe differences between the target and actual color into formulationsthat are optimized and customized per client. As data is gathered fromclients, the system may be capable of learning formula adjustmentsthereby accurately creating formulas that achieve the target color witha smaller number of applications. This capability may also improve“first time” applications which are a common source of anxiety forstylists and clients.

In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 and method 1100 can dispenseother liquids such as, for example, developer, shampoo, conditioner,additives, lotion, moisturizer, nail polish, tanning solutions, paint orany combination thereof.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at leastone” or “one or more” may occur followed by a conjunctive list ofelements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of twoor more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase isintended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually orany of the recited elements or features in combination with any of theother recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at leastone of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are eachintended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similarinterpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more ofA, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA and B and C together.” In addition, use of the term “based on,” aboveand in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” suchthat an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

While the specification has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to these embodiments. These and other modifications andvariations to the present invention may be practiced by those skilled inthe art, without departing from the scope of the present invention,which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims.

Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the disclosedinvention, one or more examples of which have been illustrated in theaccompanying figures. Each example has been provided by way ofexplanation of the present technology, not as a limitation of thepresent technology. In fact, while the specification has been describedin detail with respect to specific embodiments of the invention, it willbe appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. For instance,features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be usedwith another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it isintended that the present subject matter covers all such modificationsand variations within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents. These and other modifications and variations to the presentinvention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art,without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is moreparticularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing descriptionis by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method in a dye dispensing system for determiningthe amount of dye formulation to apply to a client, comprising:receiving a client request for a color service from a stylist; receivinginformation comprising at least one of stylist information, clientinformation, or information related to the color service; detecting theidentity of a receptacle placed in the dye dispensing system, whereinthe receptacle comprises an identification; dispensing a desired amountof formulation into the receptacle based on the identity of thereceptacle and the received information; measuring an amount of unusedformulation remaining in the receptacle and associating the unusedamount with the identification; and updating the client information withthe measured amount of unused formulation.
 22. The method of claim 21,further comprising dispensing a desired amount of formulation for theclient based on the updated client information.
 23. The method of claim21, further comprising dispensing an additional amount of formulationprior to measuring an amount of unused formulation and subsequent todispensing a desired amount of formulation.
 24. The method of claim 21,wherein the information is received from a mobile device.
 25. The methodof claim 21, wherein the information comprises stylist information andthe stylist information comprises a stylist identifier.
 26. The methodof claim 21, wherein the information comprises client information, andthe client information comprises at least one of client hair attributes,client formulation, client application location, a client identifier, ora first desired amount of formulation.
 27. The method of claim 21,wherein the information comprises stylist information and the stylistinformation comprises a formulation code, wherein the formulation codeis used to track information related to the stylist's method of applyingdye formulation to the client.
 28. The method of claim 21, wherein theinformation comprises stylist information and the stylist informationcomprises the stylist's method for performing a color service, themethod comprising at least an initial desired amount of formulation andat least one additional amount of formulation needed to complete thecolor service.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein detecting theidentity of the receptacle comprises detecting an RFID code associatedwith the receptacle.
 30. A dye dispensing system, comprising a processorconfigured to perform a method comprising: receiving a client requestfor a color service from a stylist; receiving information comprising atleast one of stylist information, client information, or informationrelated to the color service; detecting the identity of a receptacleplaced in the dye dispensing system, wherein the receptacle comprises anidentification; dispensing a desired amount of formulation into thereceptacle based on the identity of the receptacle and the receivedinformation; measuring an amount of unused formulation remaining in thereceptacle and associating the unused amount with the identification;and updating the client information with the measured amount of unusedformulation.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the processor isfurther configured to perform a method comprising dispensing a desiredamount of formulation for the client based on the measured amount ofunused formulation from one or more prior hair treatments.
 32. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein the processor is further configured toperform a method comprising dispensing an additional amount offormulation prior to measuring an amount of unused formulation andsubsequent to dispensing a desired amount of formulation.
 33. The systemof claim 30, wherein the information is received from a mobile device.34. The system of claim 30, wherein the information comprises clientinformation, and the client information comprises at least one of clienthair attributes, client formulation, client application location, aclient identifier, or a first desired amount of formulation.
 35. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein detecting the identity of the receptaclecomprises detecting an RFID code associated with the receptacle.
 36. Amethod for recommending an amount of dye formulation to dispense for anew client, the method comprising: measuring data for one or morevisits, wherein the data comprises at least one of stylist information,client information, and information related to services; recording thedata for one or more prior clients; tracking the data to determine howmuch dye formulation is used for each of the one or more clients;generating statistics relating to the amount of dye formulation used bythe one or more clients; and recommending an amount of dye formulationfor the new client.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the statisticsare generated using aggregated data from the one or more prior clients.38. The method of claim 36, wherein the data comprises at least one of afirst amount of formulation, a dispensed amount of formulation, anunused amount of formulation, or an additional amount of formulationremaining after treatment.